Banff National Park — Canada's Crown Jewel★★★
The Banff National Park (founded in 1885) is Canada's oldest national park and the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. 6,641 km² of wilderness — that's larger than the entire state of Salzburg. Here, everything the Rockies are famous for is concentrated: turquoise lakes, dramatic peaks, hot springs, glaciers, and an incredible wildlife.
The small town of Banff (population: ~8,000) is located right in the national park and is the perfect base. Banff Avenue is lined with hotels, restaurants, and outdoor shops — all with views of the surrounding mountains. Despite its size, Banff never feels like a tourist town, but like a real mountain town where locals jog in the morning and sit in the pub in the evening.
Top Highlights in Banff National Park
- Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain: In 8 minutes to 2,281 meters. At the top, a 360-degree panorama over six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley awaits you. The boardwalk to Sanson's Peak is the crowning glory. 72 CAD, worth every cent.
- Johnston Canyon: An easy trail (5.6 km round trip) through a dramatic gorge with two waterfalls. In winter, the falls freeze into bizarre ice sculptures — ice climbing possible!
- Bow Lake: One of the most easily accessible glacial lakes on the Icefields Parkway. Right by the road, turquoise blue, with the Crowfoot Glacier in the background.
- Vermilion Lakes: Three lakes west of Banff with the iconic view of Mount Rundle. The best place for sunrise photos in the entire Rockies.
- Sunshine Meadows: In summer (July–September) a wildflower paradise at 2,200 meters altitude. The gondola (45 CAD) takes you up, then you hike through alpine meadows with lake views.
💡 Tipp
The Parks Canada Discovery Pass (73.50 CAD, ~50 €) is valid for an entire year for ALL Canadian national parks and historic sites — it pays off if you spend more than 7 days in national parks. Single day pass for Banff: 10.50 CAD per person.
